Vice President of the Ghana Football Association (GFA) and Chairman of the Black Stars Management Committee, Mr. Fred Pappoe, has revealed that Michael Essien and Asamoah Gyan have written to officially apologize for not seeking permission from Coach Milovan Rajevac before leaving for their various European bases after the World Cup qualifier against Mali in Kumasi.
The Stars were to emplane to Angola to engage the Palancas Negras in a FIFA international friendly on Wednesday, November 18th.
In an interview with PEACEFM Sports, Mr. Pappoe said “as I was leaving the FA secretariat yesterday, two players Essien and Asamoah had written to apologize for their behaviour.” But FA Vice President was unable to confirm whether the third partner in the absenteeism incident, Sulley Muntari, had also written to ask for forgiveness.
Meanwhile the GFA has begun investigations into the matter.
Already, “Baby Jet” Asamoah Gyan rendered an apology in an interview with PEACEFM Sports last Thursday, November 19th, and this official letter of apology to the GFA, perhaps only reinforces his remorseful state.
It is hoped that the conduct of the three senior players would not create any feelings of bad blood between the teams where the players ply their trade in Europe, the technical handlers of the Black Stars and the GFA, which could have adverse effects on the chances of Ghana at the 27th edition of the African Cup of Nations and the World Cup.
"GFA Is "Lying"
Carlo Ancelotti, Coach of Chelsea, refutes claims that Michael Essien went Absent Without Official Leave (AWOL)prior to the friendly between Angola and Ghana.
In a related development, the GFA is being accused of lying by Carlo Ancelotti, Coach of Chelsea, who insists Michael Essien sought permission to miss Wednesday's friendly game with Angola.
The Italian boss of the English Premier League side implies the GFA lied when it said Essien refused to join the Black Stars for the game in Luanda.
Ancelotti said: "It is simple. He asked the manager of Ghana if he could avoid the game on Wednesday.
"We gave him a day of rest and it was no problem.
"I didn't speak with the Ghana manager. I spoke only with Essien," Ancelotti said.
